1. Managing Up: Leading from the Middle and Managing Supervisors ServeMN 2010 May 11 th, 2010 Sarah Greving and Anna Plumb

2. Who are we? Anna Plumb Master in Public Policy 2010 Concentration: Nonprofit Management and Leadership Sarah Greving: Managing Up Extraordinaire Associate Director of Education and Employment, MN Council of Churches, Refugee Services Former AmeriCorps VISTA Transitioned to Full-Time staff Managing __ vistas at _ different organizations Now Associate Director

3. Overview What is Managing Up? Communicating with Supervisors Two scenarios Moving Up in your Organization Overall Lessons Questions and Discussion

4. What is Managing Up? The process of consciously working your boss to obtain the best possible results for you, your boss, and your organization. It is NOT: Kissing up Telling your boss what to do Wayne Turk, The Art of Managing Up, Defense AT&L, March – April 2007.

5. Key Facets of Managing Up Communication Provide Solutions, Not Problems Never assume you have all the facts Try understand your bosss agenda and perspective Never assume you know what s/he expects Understand your own management style Solicit and accept feedback

6. Two Scenarios Being asked to do things that arent in your job description Unhappy with a project

7. 1. Thats NOT my job What NOT to do: Act aggressive / point fingers Wait months to say anything (while getting more and more angry) Complain to co-workers

8. 1. Thats NOT my job What TO do: Help me understand how this fits into the mission. Politely set boundaries with co-workers Get your supervisors help with this Know the Facts Your job description Documentation Who is asking you What you are asked to do

9. 2. This Project Sucks What NOT to do: Complain (again and again) Bad mouth project to co-workers Drag your feet Hide problems

10. 2. This Project Sucks What TO do: Provide solutions (not problems) Ask for clarification Remember that you might not have all the facts Communicate concerns constructively

11. Moving Up in your Organization What NOT to do: Ask for new jobs when your current projects are incomplete Really. Expect a position to be created for you Although this can happen! Focus on money or prestige Attempt to create a position that is not in keeping with organizations mission or vision

12. Moving up in your Organization What TO do: Make yourself Indispensable Complete assignments well and on time Then ask for more responsibility Communicate what you want to do/learn, and why Emphasize your commitment to the organization Step up in times of need See the bigger picture Does what you want to do make sense for the org.?

13. Key Facets of Managing Up: Redux Communicate constructively With everyone in your organization Provide Solutions, Not Problems Never assume you have all the facts Try understand your bosss agenda and perspective Never assume you know what s/he expects Solicit and accept feedback Explore areas for growth that will help both you and the organization Know yourself Be honest and trustworthy

14. Questions?